A song is a musical composition with lyrics, often with a chorus. It usually has a rhythm and beat, with melodies and harmony. A song can be performed live and recorded, or it may appear in theater or stage shows of any form, or within operas and films. It is a form of popular art and is also widely used as a means of religious devotion.
A typical song is a combination of a verse and a chorus, and may contain other sections such as a bridge or a pre-chorus. Lyrically, songs typically rhyme in an AABB pattern or a similar scheme, although exceptions exist. The music of a song can be simple or complex, depending on genre. Early Lieder by Franz Schubert, for instance, were in a strophic structure, while more modern folk songs and the pop/rock songs of today follow a standard three-part structure: an intro, a verse, and a chorus.
The chorus is the climax of a song, and the section that most reflects its underlying theme or idea. It is usually the biggest part of a song lyrically, and contains its melody and hook, which makes it memorable. The chorus is also the moment in a song where the most energy is released.
The bridge is a transitional section in a song, and can serve to change the mood of the piece by introducing a different melody or rhythm. It can also help to build momentum and anticipation for the chorus, as it is usually shorter than the verses or the chorus itself.